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Tag: BUSINESS

  • Thailand Deploys ‘Healthcare Economy’ Strategy to Spark New Wave of National Economic Growth

    Thailand Deploys ‘Healthcare Economy’ Strategy to Spark New Wave of National Economic Growth

    BANGKOK — The Thai government has officially designated the medical and healthcare sector as a primary “New Growth Engine” for the national economy, launching a massive, multi-sector initiative to transform the country into a premier global medical hub.

    The strategy took center stage at the opening of International Healthcare Week 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Running from July 8–10, the mega-platform consolidates four major international exhibitions, drawing more than 1,200 companies, investors, and policymakers from over 100 countries to drive cross-border trade, investment, and supply chain collaboration.

    Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who presided over the event’s opening ceremony, emphasized that the domestic healthcare sector is being systematically leveraged to generate widespread economic value through innovation and elevated regulatory standards.

    “Hosting this event is not only a proud milestone for Thailand but also directly aligns with the government’s key policy. We are fully committed to driving the medical and healthcare industry as a key new growth engine. Our goal is clear: to position Thailand as a world-class Global Medical Hub by raising product standards, driving innovative healthcare services, and boosting economic value within the Healthcare Economy across all dimensions,” the prime minister said.

    Charnvirakul noted that navigating modern economic headwinds requires integrated global partnerships rather than isolated national efforts.

    “True success requires international cooperation,” he said. “This event demonstrates collaboration across the entire medical industry supply chain, from upstream to downstream. The business negotiations and partnerships established here will help create greater stability, prosperity and sustainability through tangible cooperation in healthcare and technology.”

    Public Health Minister Pattana Prompat characterized the massive gathering as a functional vehicle for public-private execution rather than a standard commercial trade show.

    “It is an important mechanism for translating the government’s policy into tangible outcomes through collaboration between the public and private sectors to build a stronger, more prosperous and sustainable healthcare economy for Thailand,” Prompat said.

    A Unified Mega-Platform for Global Industry

    Organized by Informa Markets (Thailand), the event occupies Halls 1–3 and 5–8 at the QSNCC. It expects to attract more than 26,000 global attendees, offering a mix of targeted business matchmaking and over 200 academic seminars.

    According to Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of Informa Markets (Thailand), the gathering integrates four flagship exhibitions into a single ecosystem spanning pharmaceutical research, equipment manufacturing, and wellness services.

    “In addition to showcasing cutting-edge innovations across the four exhibitions, we place strong emphasis on advancing professional knowledge through more than 200 specialized seminar sessions, many of which offer Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits,” Manu said. “This strategy will help strengthen the healthcare industries of Thailand and ASEAN and support their sustainable growth on the global stage. International Healthcare Week 2026 is more than an exhibition-it is an important springboard that enables partners across the industry to demonstrate Thailand’s strengths and elevate the country’s healthcare industry in the eyes of the world.”

    The Four Flagship Pillars

    The consolidated event relies on four specialized exhibitions to drive investment across the healthcare value chain:

    • CPHI South East Asia: Focuses on technology showcases, conferences, and supply chains for the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector across the ASEAN region.

    • World Health Expo (WHX) Bangkok: (Formerly Asia Health and Medlab Asia). Centers on international medical devices, laboratory equipment, hospital services, and broader healthcare systems.

    • Medtec Southeast Asia: A specialized international exhibition and conference dedicated entirely to the design and manufacturing of medical devices.

    • Thailand Medical & Wellness Expo 2026: Jointly organized by Informa Markets and Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support (under the Ministry of Public Health) to project the nation’s wellness, beauty, and health innovations into the global market.

  • Thailand Positions 80 Million USD State-Owned Biotech Facility to Anchor ASEAN’s 12.8 Billion USD Market

    Thailand Positions 80 Million USD State-Owned Biotech Facility to Anchor ASEAN’s 12.8 Billion USD Market

    BANGKOK, Thailand — Thailand is making a decisive play to lead Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding biopharmaceutical sector, opening the doors of its 80 million USD National Biopharmaceutical Facility (NBF) to an international media delegation ahead of the upcoming CPHI SouthEast Asia 2026 exhibition. Located at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) Bangkhuntien Campus, the facility represents the nation’s first state-owned Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) dedicated to producing clinical and research-grade biologics.

    The strategic push comes as the regional biopharmaceutical market undergoes a massive growth spurt. Fresh market analysis from the IMARC Group (Report ID: SR112026A21764) reveals that the Southeast Asian market was valued at 6.7 billion USD in 2025 and is on track to nearly double to 12.8 billion USD by 2034. This surge is being propelled by an aging population, a rise in chronic illnesses, advancing biotechnology, and supportive government frameworks across the ASEAN block.

    Dr. Annop Nopharatana, Vice President of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, emphasized the broader vision behind the site:

    “The National Biopharmaceutical Facility is more than a research center. It is a strategic national infrastructure that bridges scientific research with industrial application, strengthening Thailand’s healthcare security, enhancing national competitiveness, and supporting the sustainable growth of the country’s biopharmaceutical industry.”

    Organized by Informa Markets (Thailand), the media tour highlighted how the facility links laboratory research directly with large-scale industrial deployment. By localizing advanced production, Thailand aims to reduce its reliance on imported biologics, safeguard national vaccine supplies, and serve as an integrated biotechnology hub for neighboring countries.

    During the briefing, Dr. Warinthorn Songkasiri, Vice President for Research Strategy at KMUTT and Acting Director of the NBF, outlined the operational blueprint driving this ecosystem. She noted that the facility’s mission focuses on developing scientific talent, technical workforces, and industrial partnerships that connect academic institutions, hospitals, private enterprises, and government agencies across Southeast Asia.

    The NBF achieves this end-to-end pipeline through three specialized Centers of Excellence:

    • Bioprocess Research and Innovation Center (BRIC): Focuses on process design, optimization, and scaling up manufacturing. It provides GMP-compliant cell banking and technology transfers to help researchers move laboratory discoveries into viable manufacturing setups.

    • Biopharmaceutical Characterization Laboratory (BPCL): Operating under ISO/IEC 17025 certification, this is recognized as ASEAN’s first dedicated laboratory for evaluating biopharmaceutical product quality and ensuring regulatory compliance with international authorities.

    • GMP Production Facility: Utilizes microbial, mammalian cell, and single-use technology platforms to handle pilot-scale manufacturing, aseptic filling, and process validation for clinical research-grade products.

    By anchoring these three pillars under one ecosystem, the facility targets one of the global life science industry’s steepest hurdles: the transition from initial discovery to commercial readiness. The integrated pipeline allows international partners, universities, and private biotech firms to cut development costs and accelerate their time-to-market.

    The facility’s leadership team, scientists, and technical experts will be presenting these capabilities at the Pharma Lab Zone during the CPHI SouthEast Asia 2026 exhibition. The event will take place from July 8–10, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, where stakeholders will gather to discuss collaborations in vaccines, biologics, and advanced therapeutics.

  • CPHI South East Asia 2026 Lines Up 60+ Technical Sessions to Address AI, Regulation, and Biopharma

    CPHI South East Asia 2026 Lines Up 60+ Technical Sessions to Address AI, Regulation, and Biopharma

    BANGKOK, Thailand — More than 10,000 pharmaceutical industry professionals from over 70 countries are scheduled to converge at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok this summer. Running from July 8–10, 2026, the CPHI South East Asia 2026 exhibition will serve as a centralized hub connecting global and regional stakeholders with the rapidly expanding ASEAN pharmaceutical markets.

    The three-day event will feature more than 400 exhibitors showcasing advancements across the entire pharmaceutical value chain, including ingredients, packaging solutions, machinery, cold chain logistics, and natural extracts.

    Targeted Industry Zones and Conferences

    To manage the scale of the exhibition, the event floor includes specialized areas like the Cleanroom Showcase and the Natural Extract Zone. Alongside the exhibition, a comprehensive educational program will deliver more than 60 technical sessions spread across three dedicated, location-themed conference rooms:

    • Bangkok Room: Dedicated to discovery and development, featuring sessions on biopharma, advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), and artificial intelligence (AI) in pharma.

    • Delhi Room: Focused on manufacturing and quality, with a specific emphasis on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and cleanroom logistics.

    • Shanghai Room: Tailored toward market access, business opportunities, and navigating ASEAN regulatory frameworks.

    Interactive Events and Sustainability Initiatives

    The 2026 event lineup introduces several practical challenges and specialized spaces designed to foster skill development and community support:

    • Innovation Stage: A dedicated platform highlighting the newest developments in pharma packaging and technology.

    • ISPE Hackathon: A team-based innovation challenge where professionals collaborate to solve real-world industry problems.

    • Pharma Quest: A region-wide quiz competition testing the industry knowledge of pharmacy students from across Southeast Asia.

    • Sustainability Square: Interactive workshops designed to promote eco-friendly practices, which will include medicine donation initiatives targeted at underserved areas.

    Cross-Border Trade and Registration

    To facilitate regional trade, the exhibition floor will host dedicated Country Pavilions representing China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Attendees looking to secure business partnerships can utilize the Match & Meet Lounge, a space designed specifically for targeted business matching and corporate collaboration.

    The event is structured for a diverse audience, including regional and global pharma manufacturers, distributors, contract manufacturers, and entities focusing on bio-investment and biosimilar production.

    Registration and further details are available via the event’s official website at www.cphi.com/sea, or by contacting the organizing team directly via email at cphisea-th@informa.com.

  • Manulife Philippines Taps Erwin Go to Drive Alternative Distribution Strategy

    Manulife Philippines Taps Erwin Go to Drive Alternative Distribution Strategy

    Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, has appointed Erwin Go as Chief Corporate Solutions and Alternative Distribution Officer. In this role, he joins the company’s executive committee.

    Go will lead the development and execution of Manulife Philippines’ corporate solutions and alternative distribution strategy, strengthening capabilities across group insurance, partnerships, and emerging distribution channels. His appointment underscores the company’s focus on diversifying growth and enhancing customer and partner experiences.

    “Erwin has been instrumental in advancing our Corporate Solutions and Alternative Distribution business, bringing strong commercial leadership and deep industry expertise,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “His ability to drive growth while building high-performing teams and strong client relationships positions us to capture new opportunities and deliver greater value to our customers and partners.”

    “I’m honored to take on this role at an exciting time for Manulife Philippines,” said Erwin Go, Chief Corporate Solutions and Alternative Distribution Officer, Manulife Philippines. “We see strong opportunities to deepen partnerships, expand our corporate solutions portfolio, and deliver more relevant, customer-focused offerings that help Filipinos live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. I look forward to working closely with our teams and partners to accelerate growth and innovation across the business.”

    Fediverse reactions
  • LRT-2 launches unified digital payment system for bank cards and mobile wallets

    LRT-2 launches unified digital payment system for bank cards and mobile wallets

    Commuters on Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) can now simply tap their Visa or Mastercard debit, credit, or prepaid cards, use Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled mobile wallets such as Google Pay, or scan GCash QR to pay for their fares following the launch of the country’s first rail-based automated fare collection system that seamlessly integrates open-loop EMV card payments, mobile NFC, and QR payments in a single interoperable platform.

    The landmark initiative is powered by Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) in partnership with Visa, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). It represents a major step in the government’s digital transformation agenda by modernizing public transportation through globally accepted, secure, and interoperable digital payments.

    Designed to be bank-agnostic and future-ready, the system enables commuters to use payment instruments issued by any participating bank, electronic money issuer, or fintech provider, eliminating the need for a dedicated transit card while making commuting faster, more convenient, and more inclusive.

    RCBC President and CEO Reggie Cariaso said the initiative underscores the Bank’s commitment to supporting the government’s vision of a digitally connected Philippines. “We are grateful for the trust and partnership of the DOTr and LRTA as we continue building accessible and future-ready digital ecosystems for Filipinos. Beyond banking, we see digital finance as an enabler of more connected, seamless, and efficient daily experiences,” Cariaso said.

    To encourage adoption, RCBC is launching its PISO Fare Cashback Promo from July 13 to July 31, exclusively for millions of RCBC Debit and Credit Card holders and MySSS RCBC DiskarTech Debit Card holders, allowing them to enjoy fare cashback while experiencing the country’s newest interoperable cashless transit payment system.

    Transportation authorities expect the new payment system to streamline fare collection and enhance the commuting experience for the more than 58.7 million passengers who use LRT-2 each year. The initiative also supports the government’s continuing efforts to modernize public transportation and accelerate the country’s transition toward a digital economy.

    RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva said the launch demonstrates how digital payments can improve everyday life while bringing the Philippines closer to global transit standards. “This is a defining milestone in the modernization of Philippine public transportation. For the first time, commuters can seamlessly use their everyday bank cards, mobile NFC wallets, and QR payments in one interoperable transit ecosystem. By making commuting simpler, faster, and more inclusive, we are accelerating digital adoption, advancing financial inclusion, and bringing the Philippines closer to the digital transport systems found in leading global cities,” Villanueva said.

    Visa Country Manager for the Philippines Jeffrey Navarro said the launch further strengthens the country’s digital transit ecosystem. “The LRT-2 automated fare collection system is Visa’s fifth transit project in the Philippines, following MRT-3 and bus systems in Cebu, Mandaue, and Bacolod. Through our partnership with RCBC and the Philippine government, we are helping expand access to secure and interoperable digital payments that improve commuter convenience, urban mobility, and economic productivity,” Navarro said.

    Arniel Vincent Ong, President and CEO of RCBC Credit Cards, said the project reinforces the growing role of digital payments in everyday commerce. “As more Filipinos embrace cashless lifestyles, initiatives like this make digital payments even more practical for daily commuting. We are proud to help deliver secure, convenient, and interoperable payment solutions that benefit millions of commuters,” Ong said.

    The LRT-2 implementation forms part of RCBC’s broader digital payments strategy, which includes innovations through RCBC Pulz, RCBC DiskarTech, and RCBC ATM Go, as well as partnerships with government agencies, global payment networks, and fintech players through ecosystem banking to accelerate financial inclusion and build a more connected digital economy.

     

  • Tala launches Grow with Tala feature to support credit growth tracking

    Tala launches Grow with Tala feature to support credit growth tracking

    As global economic shifts bring new cost-of-living challenges, the global majority continues to face heightened pressures in navigating these times. Findings from Tala Philippines’ recent Financial Health Score (FHS) Survey show a clear directive to go further by addressing the psychological burden of credit-building and making users’ progress more visible.
    To bridge this gap, Tala introduced its newest in-app feature, Grow with Tala, designed to eliminate financial anxiety through real-time transparency. By providing customers with the tools to track their progress and see their future growth, this feature serves as a driving force in achieving their financial goals with confidence.
    “We understand that uncertainty is a big source of stress for our borrowers, especially those juggling multiple financial commitments. We designed this tool to bring clarity and purpose to financial management, giving our customers a clear path to actively shape the future they’ve always envisioned with Tala,” said Moritz Gastl, General Manager, Tala Philippines.
     
    As a trusted partner for financial growth, Tala provides more than just access to credit. Grow with Tala shows a peek at a customer’s guaranteed limit increase even before their current loan is due, so they can budget for the future. The customer only has to repay their loan on time to receive the new limit. This level of visibility effectively reduces money strains and encourages consistency in working toward better opportunities.
    This feature also strengthens user trust with Tala, aligning perfectly to the ideals of its Kasangga sa Laban ng Buhay campaign. As an extension to this initiative, Grow with Tala reinforces Tala’s enduring commitment to empowering the Global Majority.
    Grow with Tala can be accessed via the “growth tree” icon on the main screen of the Tala app. This section is dedicated to monitoring how long the customers have been with Tala, their limit summary, current status, upcoming analysis dates, and milestones to unlock, acting as a personal tracker that helps them understand and scale their journey to financial freedom.
    Aside from the ability to view progress, Grow with Tala moves beyond just basic functionality and aims to promote responsible borrowing. By providing real-time updates– from payment statuses to limit eligibility– Tala ensures full transparency, fostering a greater sense of control, and puts the power back into the hands of the consumers so they can take charge of their own growth.
     
    Grow with Tala also rewards consistent, on-time payment behavior with benefits such as access to bigger credit and consolidates existing perks like its referral rewards and potential bonuses all into one convenient space. To maintain these benefits, the app also offers helpful reminders and positive reinforcement, establishing better financial habits and translating control into action with agency.
    According to Chief Product Officer, Nicolas Cabrera, Tala is expanding its digital capabilities to provide clearer pathways for customer growth. “Our recent Financial Health Score survey highlights our impact on the long-term well-being of millions of Filipinos and turning their dreams into lived realities. By turning basic credit into true financial agency, Tala is not just fostering inclusion, but driving broader economic growth for the global majority.”
    Tala Philippines ambassador Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo said seeing financial progress helps sustain motivation. “When you actually see how far you’ve come on your financial journey, it becomes such a huge motivator to keep you going. Grow with Tala further strengthens Tala’s role as your true kasangga for the long haul, inspiring Filipino families to keep moving forward and working towards achieving their goals,” she said.
    Grow with Tala is available through the Tala app.
  • GoTyme Bank cements position as a trusted bank with 10M users and P53B in deposits

    GoTyme Bank cements position as a trusted bank with 10M users and P53B in deposits


    GoTyme Bank has officially crossed the     10-million-user milestone in just over three years since its launch. The milestone represents a fundamental shift in mainstream Philippine banking, backed by over P53 billion in customer deposits and sustained engagement across the bank’s ecosystem. The rapid adoption highlights how modern Filipino consumers are evaluating institutions not merely by corporate longevity, but by how consistently they deliver value, security, and convenience in daily life.

    While traditional banks historically establish credibility through decades of operating history and asset records, GoTyme Bank has built trust by consistently delivering secure, convenient, and accessible financial services that customers use every day. This trust is reflected in sustained customer behavior, strong app engagement, and rapid cross-product adoption across debit, MoreTyme, remittances, and wealth management.

    “Reaching 10 million users is an important milestone on our journey to become the Philippines largest and most loved bank, but for us, it’s really about the trust that millions of Filipinos place in GoTyme Bank every day,” said Nate Clarke, CEO of GoTyme Bank. “We’re grateful to our customers for choosing us, and we’ll continue working to make banking simpler, more accessible, more affordable, and more beautiful for everyone.”

    Sustained trust & deep engagement

    A core driver of the bank’s rapid growth is its integration into the daily financial habits of its users. GoTyme Bank has secured its place as the Most Used Visa Debit Card in the Philippines based on Visa debit active usage data in 2025, proving it is an essential tool for daily commerce. Making everyday banking more accessible and affordable has been a core part of GoTyme Bank’s approach since launch. As part of that commitment, the bank has offered free InstaPay transfers since the beginning, giving users greater flexibility and convenience in managing their finances.

    Scale, infrastructure & seamless access

    Bridging the digital-to-physical gap, GoTyme Bank has built an extensive physical network that complements its digital-first architecture. Bringing a personal touch back to banking, GoTyme Bank maintains more than 600 kiosks across the Robinsons Retail ecosystem and SM Stores nationwide, supported by over 1,200 Bank Ambassadors who help customers open accounts in five minutes or less and access high-quality services instantly. Customers can conveniently deposit and withdraw cash through more than 2,500 lanes in Robinsons Retail stores. They can also deposit cash through a network of more than 4,500 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

    Financial inclusion & cross-product acceleration

    As GoTyme Bank matures, its ecosystem has expanded into comprehensive financial services, driving deep cross-product adoption. Expanding beyond traditional savings, users can pay more than 160 billers directly within the app, simplifying everyday financial management. Customers can also invest in crypto and Philippine stocks within the app, making investment opportunities more accessible to everyday Filipinos.

    The bank is also unlocking financial potential through its growing credit infrastructure. Over 1 million early-access users have been introduced to MoreTyme, a broader suite of credit solutions designed to be flexible, transparent, and easy to understand. Customers always know exactly what they’re paying for, with clear pricing and no hidden charges buried in the fine print. MoreTyme enables users to pay purchases in installments through QRPh, Convert Purchases, and the MoreTyme Virtual Card, while Get Cash provides quick access to funds when needed. Additionally, through a new integration with Wise, users can now enjoy fast, fair, and transparent international money transfers with highly competitive rates.

    A new standard for Philippine banking

    The 10-million-user milestone reflects a wider transformation in how Filipinos interact with their money, demonstrating that true trust can be built transaction by transaction through an exceptional user experience. By marrying institutional-grade security and substantial deposit volumes with a frictionless digital experience, GoTyme Bank is proving that trust is no longer built solely through decades of history, but through consistently delivering value every single day.  

    As GoTyme Bank accelerates its expansion into international remittances, investing, and credit services through MoreTyme, it continues to strengthen its long-term market position while staying true to its vision of making banking beautiful.

  • GENCYS Group and Alibaba Launch E-VOLVE to Push Philippine SMEs Into the Global AI Economy

    GENCYS Group and Alibaba Launch E-VOLVE to Push Philippine SMEs Into the Global AI Economy

    Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are getting a direct pipeline to the global digital economy through a new partnership between local innovation firm GENCYS Group and Alibaba Global Initiatives.

    The collaboration marks the launch of E-VOLVE, a leadership and digital transformation initiative engineered to equip local business owners, startups, and SMEs with actionable strategies in artificial intelligence (AI), cross-border e-commerce, and technology-driven growth.

    The program arrives at a critical juncture for the domestic economy, where SMEs make up the vast majority of local businesses. Rather than focusing on basic digital adoption, E-VOLVE prioritizes international market competitiveness through hands-on learning, strategic networking, and global exposure.

    “Our vision is to ensure that Filipino entrepreneurs are not just adapting to digital transformation but actively shaping the future of commerce,” GENCYS Group said during the launch.

    Inside the E-VOLVE Program

    To bridge the gap between local operations and international markets, the initiative delivers a blend of high-level training and practical immersion:

    • Executive Learning & AI Integration: Strategic coursework focusing on how business leaders can leverage data, automation, and artificial intelligence.

    • Digital Marketing & Cross-Border Models: Practical strategies designed to help local companies expand beyond domestic borders and plug into interconnected global supply chains.

    • International Business Immersion: Selected participants will travel directly to China to study one of the world’s most advanced digital ecosystems, featuring firsthand site visits to technology hubs and Alibaba’s corporate campus.

    Driving Regional Competitiveness

    Industry observers point out that private-sector alliances with global tech ecosystems are becoming vital for businesses seeking clear pathways toward AI adoption and international scale.

    Beyond immediate skills development, E-VOLVE is structured to build a sustainable ecosystem. The initiative aims to connect participants with a broader network of corporate partners, investors, and technology leaders to anchor future innovation projects.

    Ultimately, the partnership highlights the Philippines’ expanding ambitions within the Asia-Pacific digital economy, turning the focus toward creating globally competitive products and services.

    By positioning E-VOLVE as a long-term investment in forward-thinking leadership, the collaboration aims to accelerate innovation and drive sustainable digital growth across the country.

    Editor’s Note: Business owners and entrepreneurs interested in the initiative can find program details and application inquiries on the Gencys Group Official Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/gencysgroup.

  • Philippines Positions Entrepreneurs for the Global Digital Economy Through GENCYS Group and Alibaba Global Initiatives Collaboration

    Philippines Positions Entrepreneurs for the Global Digital Economy Through GENCYS Group and Alibaba Global Initiatives Collaboration

    Gencys Group, Board of Directors – From left to right: Nadine Ann Y. Luceña – Director of Internal Affairs, Aryanne Fatima Claire B. Gengos – Director of Education, GENCYS Group, Charlie P. Gengos – Founder and Chairman of GENCYS Group, Hernani H. Razon – Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of GENCYS Group, Marle Joy C. Razon – Director of Branding, Diana Jane S. Mitchell – Director of Operations and Human Resources

    As digital commerce continues to reshape global markets, a new collaboration between Philippine innovation company GENCYS Group and Alibaba Global Initiatives is opening opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs to compete on the international stage.

    The partnership introduces E-VOLVE, a leadership and digital transformation initiative designed to help business owners, startups, and SMEs embrace artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce, and technology-driven growth.

    Rather than focusing solely on digital adoption, the initiative aims to prepare entrepreneurs to participate in the global digital economy through practical learning, international exposure, and strategic collaboration.

    “Our vision is to ensure that Filipino entrepreneurs are not just adapting to digital transformation but actively shaping the future of commerce,” GENCYS Group said during the launch.

    The program combines executive learning sessions, AI integration, digital marketing strategies, and international business immersion. Selected participants will also travel to China to gain firsthand insights into one of the world’s most advanced digital commerce ecosystems, including visits to leading technology and innovation hubs and Alibaba’s campus.

    The initiative reflects a growing recognition that competitiveness in today’s economy depends on more than technology adoption. It requires leaders who understand data, automation, artificial intelligence, and cross-border business models.

    Small and medium enterprises account for the overwhelming majority of businesses in the Philippines, making digital capability a national economic priority. As global supply chains become increasingly interconnected, programs that strengthen digital entrepreneurship can help local companies expand beyond domestic markets.

    Industry observers note that collaborations between private-sector innovators and global technology ecosystems are becoming increasingly important as businesses seek practical pathways toward AI adoption and international market access.

    Beyond skills development, E-VOLVE also aims to build a stronger network of entrepreneurs, corporate partners, investors, and technology leaders who can collaborate on future innovation initiatives.

    The partnership highlights the Philippines’ growing ambition to become a more active participant in the digital economy of Asia-Pacific, positioning Filipino enterprises to create globally competitive products, services, and business models.

    As artificial intelligence and e-commerce continue to redefine industries worldwide, initiatives such as E-VOLVE demonstrate how international partnerships can help emerging markets accelerate innovation while empowering the next generation of business leaders.

    The GENCYS Group and Alibaba Global Initiatives collaboration represents more than a training program—it signals a long-term investment in developing globally minded entrepreneurs capable of driving sustainable digital growth for the Philippines and beyond.

    For inquiries about the program, visit Gencys Group Official Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/gencysgroup

  • Canon kicks off school season with PIXMA promos and Canon Academy 2026 university tour

    Canon kicks off school season with PIXMA promos and Canon Academy 2026 university tour

    As students prepare for the new academic year, Canon Philippines has launched a back-to-school campaign featuring promotional offers on select PIXMA MegaTank printers alongside the nationwide rollout of its Canon Academy 2026 campus tour.

    The campaign combines discounts and rewards for students and families with a three-month university program that will introduce multimedia, design, and imaging students to Canon’s printers and cameras through hands-on activities.

    To help students manage school requirements such as research papers, presentations, reports, and creative projects, Canon is offering two promotions running from July 1 to September 30, 2026:

    • Free ink bundle
      • Buyers of the PIXMA G4770, PIXMA G3780, or PIXMA G4780 will receive one free set of GI-71s inks worth Php1,365.
    • Canon Delightful App Rewards Points
      • Customers purchasing participating PIXMA printers can receive up to 2,500 rewards points, depending on the model purchased.
      • To qualify, customers must:
        • Download the Canon Delightful App
        • Register their newly purchased printer
      • Each reward point is equivalent to Php1.00, which can be redeemed through participating Giftaway e-gift certificate merchants available in the Canon PH app.

    Participating printer models and corresponding rewards include:

    Printer model Rewards points SRP (Php)
    G1010 1,000 4,495
    G1730 500 5,995
    G2010 1,500 7,495
    G2730 1,500 8,395
    G3010 2,000 7,995
    G3730 500 9,995
    G4770 2,500 13,495
    G3780 500 11,995
    G4780 500 14,595
    G5070 500 13,995
    G6070 500 18,995
    G570 500 14,995
    G670 500 18,595
    PIXMA G2730 Purple (online exclusive) 500 7,895
    PIXMA G2730 Yellow Green (online exclusive) 500 9,495

    Alongside the promotions, Canon is taking its products directly to campuses through Canon Academy 2026, a three-month program that will visit universities and colleges across the country.

    The tour begins on July 8 to 9, 2026, at the Far Eastern University Student Plaza in Manila, where students specializing in multimedia, design, and imaging will be introduced to Canon’s MegaTank and PIXMA printer lineup as well as Canon cameras through immersive demonstrations and learning sessions.

    Canon said the initiative is intended to give students access to tools that support both classroom requirements and creative work throughout the school year.

    For more information on Canon’s latest promotions and imaging solutions, visit the Canon Philippines website or download the Canon PH Delightful app.